The Ethics of Professional Practice

Book excerpt: This book addresses ethical issues and principles in human services professions including social work, counseling, psychology, and marriage and family therapy. All of these professions must be sensitive to ethical standards and dilemmas, particularly given the increase in litigation surrounding ethical issues. This book leads the reader through a personal journey of discovery, assessment, and clarification of values and ethics. The focus is to help the reader assimilate ethical principles, thus becoming an ethical practitioner. The book reflects the ethical codes of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Psychological Association (APA), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Sound pedagogy includes learning objectives, cases, and guided exercises, all intended to raise the reader's self-awareness of issues of values, ethics, and professional standards. For professionals in social work, counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy.